In a game heard on WEZC and streamed online at Dewitt Daily News, the Clinton Maroons built an early advantage and held off a late Monticello push to earn a 49-45 non-conference victory Tuesday night at the Sievers Center.
Clinton raced out to a 22-11 lead early in the second quarter, creating separation with timely scoring and defensive stops. Monticello chipped away at the deficit over the final three quarters, but the Maroons made enough plays in the closing minutes to secure the win.
Offense was at a premium for both teams.
Monticello struggled to finish around the basket and shot just 32.7 percent from the floor. The Sages also continued to search for consistency from beyond the arc, finishing 4-of-18 from three-point range.
Clinton had its own shooting issues, connecting on 33 percent from the field and going 9-of-17 at the free-throw line. Balanced scoring proved to be the difference.
Three Maroons scored in double figures. Keaton Graves led all scorers with 14 points, while Jaeden Bell and Jaxon Reynolds each added 13.
Monticello controlled the boards with a 38-36 rebounding edge and took care of the basketball, committing just five turnovers. The Sages recorded 14 assists on 18 made field goals.
Mattias Rudolph paced Monticello with 11 points. On senior night, Nolan Buehnerkemper nearly posted a double-double, finishing with nine points, eight rebounds, and five assists. He was named the State Bank of Bement Player of the Game.
Clinton improves to 22-8 overall and will wrap up the regular season Friday night at Argenta-Oreana Bombers.
Monticello falls to 14-13 and will close its regular season Friday on the road against the Bismarck-Henning Blue Devils.
Both teams will host a Regional semifinal game next Monday as postseason play begins.
Keaton Graves sinks it for Clinton
Matthias Rudolph scores a dime from his brother Thaddias for the Sages